"Shuck it, Don't Chuck It!" Shell recycling program
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Oysters extract lime from the water so they can grow their shell. This is why the Society recycles oyster shell from local restaurants. The shell is returned to the water where it provides a substrate for new oysters. The "Shuck It Don't Chuck It!" Shell Recycling Program is a win-win for oyster lovers, businesses and the bay's waters.
One oyster can clean up to 50 gallons of water per day. Oyster shell from restaurants ordinarily end up in landfills. Our program returns them to New Jersey's bays where they create a foundation for growing new oysters. Oyster reefs also provide homes for other marine life and protect sensitive shorelines. Historically, they populated our coastal waters, but pollution, disease and over-harvesting have destroyed these essential creatures of the marine ecosystem. Our program returns the shell to the bays for cleaner water, a healthier environment and more oysters on our plates. The Oyster shell recycling program is supported through grants from the Marta Heflin Foundation and NOAA Fisheries. |
Get involved
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Volunteer
Interested in Coastal Conservation?! Want to see what it's like to work with a local-non profit? Our volunteers assist with community outreach events such as festivals and Lunch & Learns. They also pick-up and transport shell from our participating restaurants. Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and work with staff from other programs as well! |
Work With Us
Are you a restaurant owner or employee? Does your business sell oysters? You can help clean the coastline, protect your shore community, and even promote your own business just by setting aside your used shells for us to pick-up. It's that simple. Collect your shells... ...We'll take care of the rest |
Donate/Fund Raise
Anyone can directly donate. Companies can sponsor one of our fundraising events! Just get in touch. As a non-profit organization, we rely on unrestricted funds for the continuation and expansion of our efforts. Contact [email protected] or
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Community drop-off
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There are other ways to help...
We have our first community drop-off site! It's located at the Rumson Municipal Boat Ramp at 9 Ave of Two Rivers, Rumson, NJ 07760. Just look for the bright yellow trash bins. See the map below on this page for more location details. Anyone can stop by and drop their used shells any time. It doesn't have to be oysters! Scallop, clam, and mussel shells are welcome too. You can also help just by promoting local aquaculture. Buy directly from local oyster vendors or eat at restaurants that buy local.
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Pounds of shell recycled
so far |
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This is equivalent to the weight of a Humpback Whale
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How we educate |
Public Events |
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The "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It!" team works to educate the community on the topic of shell recycling and its benefits.
Our public outreach efforts include tabling at seafood and environmental festivals, hosting Lunch & Learns with our restaurant partners, and working with local schools. |
Events where you can find the "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It!" team in 2023
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Promoting local aquaculture |
AQuaculture Partners |
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Our "Shuck It, Don't Chuck It" Shell Recycling Program partners with the wonderful Barnegat Oyster Collective (BOC), a local NJ coalition of oyster farmers up and down Barnegat Bay. They promote the increase of oyster farming as an available profession for any New Jerseyan and the ecological benefits of growing oysters in NJ waters.
Support both of us (and your local waterway ecosystems!) by buying local and recycling your shells afterwards! |
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Participating restaurants
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For the Legend, click the arrow to the left of the map title.
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Sponsors
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Shell Recycling Staff
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